In Victoria, the residential construction work is covered by domestic building contracts. These contracts assist in determining the deal between a builder and a client. They also spell out the extent of work, payment plan, schedules, and legal obligations. You may be doing a single home, extension or renovation, but having a good contract is important.
A contract template for domestic building projects is useful to many builders so that they can streamline the process. The templates are pre-formatted documents that contain the usual clauses needed to be put under the Victorian building laws. They may limit the possibility of misunderstandings and conflicts when used properly. A good template, however, must be filled in correctly and checked before signing.
Although contract templates can be useful, it is not foolproof. The builders are not done with the legal meaning of each clause. Damaging one section or misreading it may cost a lot. Terms of the law, concerning variations, progress payments, or delay may become sources of conflict easily unless explained well.
Seeking professional legal counsel will make sure that the contract fits the requirements of your project. Special clauses regarding engineering or drainage may be required in a custom build on a sloping block, as an example. A conservation in a heritage area may need other terms. A legal practitioner should always be asked to review your contract before you present it to the client.
Domestic building contract has a number of key clauses that need to be incorporated. These safeguard the builder and the client. They include:
Learning these clauses will enable the builders to explain them to the clients with confidence. It also creates confidence and prevents misunderstandings in future.
The Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 regulates the relationship between the parties to a domestic building contract in Victoria, and the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is the body that administers the act. These are the rules that builders are supposed to adhere to in cases where the amount involved in the project exceeds 10,000 dollars. This involves the use of written contracts and provision of a copy to the clients prior to commencing work.
A domestic building contract from Registered Builder Network is one of the simplest methods of remaining compliant. Their templates are modified to suit the Victorian builders and updated to changes in the law. These contracts are builder friendly and understandable. They assist in minimizing risk and at the same time meeting the legal requirements.
Registered Builder Network (RBN) does not simply provide templates of contracts. They assist builders in every pre-construction process such as estimating, drafting, and planning. Builders are also allowed to enter the RBN Mate program that provides the members with discounts, legal assistance, and contract walkthroughs.
You may not know what to place in your contract, but RBN advisors can assist. They take you through the template, clarify legal terms and respond to questions. They aim at assisting the builders to save time and prevent legal issues.
These are some last minute tips to get the best of your domestic building contract:
This may take some time to get it right but in the long run you save thousands of dollars. It also demonstrates to your clients that you are professional and well organized.
Building contracts are not merely paper. They are legal instruments which safeguard your work, reputation and income. By having the proper guidance and the use of a quality template, the builders in Victoria can put their projects into their hands, and prevent the expensive litigation. It becomes simpler to be compliant and perform well with the help of services such as the ones provided by Registered Builder Network.
When you are undertaking a new construction, do not gamble. Follow a reliable template of the contract, take a professional opinion, and ensure that nothing is missed in the first place.
